Great Blue Heron Needs Placement

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Contact Information
Contact Emily Davenport
Phone: 303-908-4871
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Country: USA

Species: Ardea herodias

Is rehabilitation complete?: yes

This animal has potential as a : off-site education animal

This animal is: captive reared

Age: 6 months

Reason for entering rehabilitation.:

This bird came to us after falling from his nest and landing in a kayak at Chatfield State Park. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured humerus, and despite surgery, his wing is now largely immobile—leaving him unable to fly.

Days in care: 139

Issues developed while undergoing rehabilitation.:

N/A

Body condition score (5 point scale as defined on https://nagonline.net/3877/body-condition-scoring/): 4

Can the animal express species-typical behaviors (e.g. eat appropriate whole foods, climb, perch, groom, dig, fly, swim, ambulate normally for species)?:

Other than being flightless, yes, it can express all natural species-specific behaviors.

Can the animal be handled without negative welfare affects?: yes

This is how the animal currently reacts when a frequent caregiver nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

I answered yes, because this bird is somewhat habituated to people and could very easily be trained for cooperative care. While he will move away from you if approached it is not panicked and our team can easily clean his enclosure, feed, and change out enrichment without issues. He shows no fear and we have been able to hand feed him on occasion.

This is how the animal currently reacts when a stranger nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

Same as above. We have our full staff and volunteer team care for him without issue.

This animal is currently house : alone

Will the animal need continuous medical care (e.g. medication)?: no

Physical health welfare assessment: good life

Mental/emotional health welfare assessment: good life

More Information

We are hoping to find an AZA-accredited facility that can provide the long-term care and quality of life this bird deserves. However, we would be open to other licensed facilities. We think he would do great in an enclosure on his own but would thrive with other herons. He is currently housed alone, but has also been housed with other herons with no issue. He has become somewhat habituated to people and shows no signs of distress around human presence, making him a strong candidate for a zoo exhibit or educational display.

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